Voting is underway across New Zealand in a high-stakes general election with polls set to close at 7:00 PM local time on Saturday.
The main contest features incumbent Prime Minister Christopher Luxon leading the centre-right National Party, against former Prime Minister Chris Hipkins of the centre-left Labour Party.
The Electoral Commission will begin releasing preliminary figures shortly after polls close and expects to report results from at least 50 percent of voting locations by 10:00 PM. However the official final results which include special and overseas ballots will be formally declared on November 27.
Strict election regulations remain in place across New Zealand until voting officially concludes also prohibiting media reporting on any material that could influence voter turnout or choice.
Under New Zealand's proportional representation system, neither major party is guaranteed an absolute majority. As there is no set legal deadline for coalition negotiations, government formation could take several days or weeks following the announcement of final results.
